2017 Honda Ridgeline comes to Chicago Auto Show fully accessorized

Press Days for one of the oldest major Auto Shows in North America began Wednesday February 10, with the presentation of a fully accessorized 2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup.

According to American Honda Motors, the attending press will have the opportunity to view the all new Ridgeline as well as an extensive line of dealer-available factory accessories.

Looks good, could we lift it off the road a bit?

After a 2 year hiatus from the market, 2017 Ridgeline returns much improved. Sharing engine, chassis and running gear components with Honda Pilot, your next Ridgeline sports the largest cab, and only 4 foot wide truck bed in the midsize pickup class -- a dual action tailgate, in-bed lockable trunk, and the auto industry's only factory installed truck bed tunnel-stereo speaker system, with A.C. 110 volt connectivity -- the perfect tailgate party platform.

More horsepower and torque

As with 2016 Pilot, Honda Ridgeline presents a unibody chassis and ACE ™ safety structure, featuring a more powerful and fuel efficient direct injected 3.5 Liter 24 valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 gasoline engine, and state of the art 6 speed automatic transmission. You won’t find a 9 speed electronically shifted 9 speed automatic transmission option for Ridgeline.

Bringing 280 horsepower and 262 ft-lb torque to the game, Honda tells us that Ridgeline is predicted to be the quickest off-the-line pickup in the midsize truck segment. We anticipate a combined MPG of 20-to 21, depending on your driving style. This life-time truck driver can’t wait to experience Ridgeline.

Tow it, haul it, take it into the dirt

For the first time since Ridgelines debut in 2004, buyers now have a choice of either FWD ( front-wheel-drive) or AWD (all-wheel-drive) via torque vectoring i-VTM4 technology. Both options come with VSA ™ ( vehicle stability, traction control) and electronic push button activated Intelligent Traction Management ™, something that we experienced in the all new 2016 Pilot Elite. We also find a usable payload of 1600 lbs, with an anticipated tow rating of 5,000 lbs.

2017 Ridgeline owners will experience best in class passive and active safety features, dash screen entertainment, communication and navigation interface, as well as car-like ride and interior quiet inherent only to Honda Ridgeline.

Price and availability

Honda’s not saying! But we anticipate 2017 Ridgeline coming to market mid year 2016, with an MSRP in line or slightly lower than the present 2016 Pilot offerings.( $30,145 to $46,520 +)

Put some bling on Ridgeline

Honda keeps the 2017 Ridgeline buzz going at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show with the presentation of a fully factory accessorized black on black, off-road ready Ridgeline. It’s a great look. Personally, I’d like to see a bit more road clearance. Here’s the short list:

Black Roof Rails
Black Cross Bars
Die Cast Running Board
Black Fender Flares
Skid Plate
Hard Tonneau Cover
18" Black Glint Wheels + All-Terrain Tires
Towing Kit (Ball Mount)
2" Trailer Ball
Enjoy!